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Pauline Frederick starred in the second feature-length production of Leo Tolstoy's novel (the first version starred Blanche Walsh, who also played the role of Katusha onstage). The plot, for those who don't know it, is as follows: Katusha (Frederick) is betrayed by Prince Neklidov (Robert Eliott), after which she embarks on a life of debauchery. She is accused of murdering a rich merchant, and although she is innocent, her bad character works against her and she is sentenced to four years in Siberia. There she meets Simonson (John Sainpolis), who has been exiled for his liberal teachings. He helps bring about Katusha's regeneration. The Prince, who has become a member of the Czar's court, wants to make amends so he obtains a pardon for Katusha. Out of duty, he also offers to marry her. But she refuses both the pardon and the proposal, preferring instead to remain with Simonson and help him with his work.